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"H-how do I look?" I ask nervously. My limited wardrobe gave me very few choices... Well, I don't always dress up, so I never bothered getting new clothes. It hits me back in the face when I find that half the clothes I own does not fit anymore. I give a loud bark of annoyance as I try my best to salvage the situation.

Today is an important day. This is not just any home visit; it's a freaking meet-the-parents session. Although it is not like I've never seen them before... but this is the first time I'm officially meeting them as their son's boyfriend. It's a night to give a good first impression as their son's mate, and I am just so freaked out on my clothing right now. I feel underdressed, like I'm not looking good enough. I look at myself all over again; maybe I should have worn the other grey shirt? But this white one seems to compliment my fur... right?

"You look dashing, honey," the grey wolf says, staring at me fretting over myself, "There's not need to be so formal actually... Why don't you take off that tie?" Jo reaches out to undo the blue tie while I swat at his paw.

Jo chuckles at my gesture, "Typh, you've got to stop freaking out man. It's my parents that we're going to meet. Don't you trust me on their preferences? Come on now, it's not like you've never seen them before and we're definitely not going to some grand restaurant. Off with the tie now, honey."

I sigh as I let my grey wolf take off the tie that I worked hard to perfect. He's right; I'm panicking too much... I can't really trust my nerves right now. I close my eyes as Jo did the work. I trust him more than anyone else, so no arguments there.

Jo unbuttons the top few buttons to show the small tuft of my chest fur and keeps my tie in his pocket. He looks at me and smiles, probably admiring his small makeover on me. The big grey wolf scratches the fur between my ears before pulling me to a hug. I find myself relaxing easily in his hold while listening to my boyfriend's curious sniffing on top of my head.

"Cologne, really?" Jo giggles softly into my ear, "You're really putting in too much effort, honey. I told you to treat this like a normal visit to my house... but I guess this shows how much you care for our relationship. I appreciate it very much, but all this dress-up... is quite unlike you. I do prefer your natural scent over any artificial ones though."

I grip tightly onto Jo and confess, "I'm still scared... What if-"

"Ah- hush now," Jo cuts in, "You're overthinking already. No matter the outcome, we will still be together. Did I not make it clear earlier?"

I bit my lip as I remember the first time this invitation came. We are dating for a while now, and somehow the word got out to his parents... turns out that Jo told them himself, spilling the beans without my consent.

At first I was angry at Jo for telling them on his own accord. The grey wolf apologised with a subtle pout, telling me he had no choice. We were going into an argument before I realised that our parents knew each other. If his parents knew, most likely the news will spread to mine. I was terrified so much that I ignored Jo for telling his parents, but when I got home that day; my parents went on their daily lives as though nothing has happened. I didn't know whether I should be relieved or not, but it got me thinking.

I thought of how afraid I am of telling anyone. Jo is a great wolf, good looking and fun to be with. Moreover, he's my boyfriend. Shouldn't I be proud to have such a great catch? I don't know why, but I'm just terrified, especially with my family. They might not take it in a good way, considering how old fashioned my parents like to be with that good old alpha wolf thing. Maybe to other furs and friends I wouldn't be this fearful to admit, but my parents... I can only shudder at their response.

I forgave Jo the next day, surprising him, but made him a happy wolf. I cannot blame Jo for admitting to his parents, he has the right to, being in the relationship. He did promise to ask me next time as though reading my mind, and I agreed to him with a smile.

We made plans to this session, and right now I'm not sure if it's a good idea. My anxiety is killing me from the inside; we still don't know what his parents are going to say. Of course I hope it isn't anything bad, but I'm not the luckiest wolf of all times. I wish that I am as strong as Jo... he did make me promise that we would not separate should things go bad, but I don't want to break up his family too.

"Typh?" Jo asks, pulling us to an arm's length, looking at me in concern, "If this is too much for you-"

"No it isn't," I hastily answer with a shaking voice, "I'm going to be fine. We're going to be fine. Just as you promised, right?"

"Yes," he assures me with his winning smile, "That's right, honey. Just as we promised. If you are scared at any time, just remember our promise. Just remember that you will always have me. Now, are we ready?"

I take a deep breath and nod. I can do this. I will be strong for Jo, if not anyone. I smile and hold my boyfriend's paws, "Yeah, let's do this."

With that, we stroll down hand in hand towards his house. Our majors have already passed, now it's our holiday before our results come back. We rarely had time to appreciate a walk, and perhaps in my mind that this might be the last, I am very happy to walk hand in hand with my grey wolf. Anyone could see us now but I am too caught up to even care. This is what I want.

Eventually we arrive at his house, and the anxiety that was temporarily forgotten comes back. Even though I've went inside countless times, never have I been so afraid of it.

Jo unlocks the door and steps in with me by his side. "Mom, Dad," he yells in, "I'm home with Typh!"

"You're just in time," a deep voice calls out as a black wolf steps into view, "We just finished setting the table. Come, let's us have our dinner."

I gulp as I follow his dad into the house. Maybe it's just my nerves, but the welcome feels less... warm than usual. I look at Jo, who gives me a reassuring smile in return. I try not to think too much about it and brace myself for what's going to come. Even though the aroma of his dad's legendary home cooked food is assaulting my black nose, it doesn't calm my anxiety any. When will I stop freaking out? I growl to myself inside.

Jo's mom is already seated on the dining table. When his dad seats beside her, I bow to them and say, "Thank you for having me today, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer."

Normally it wouldn't be like that. Jo's mom would laugh at me for being so formal. I've been to their house so often that formalities became a hassle to them. But today is an official meeting... so formal should be the way to go... right?

Jo's mom glances at her husband, as though wanting to say something, but decided against it at the last moment. Jo's dad ignores her stare and says, "We're glad to have you join us today, Typh. Take a seat, please."

Jo pulls out a seat for me automatically at that. I blush at the gesture and elbow him while taking my seat, trying as hard as I can to not let his parents notice. I would have chided him on normal occasions, but I guess an elbow nudge can suffice for now. I grumble inside my heart as I settle myself on the table. Why did Jo have to embarrass me in front of them? Like it isn't scary enough already. Jo sticks out his tongue as an apology and settles beside me. Now we are seated face to face with his parents. I force a smile on my muzzle, "Smells great, Mr. Spencer. What did you make today?"

Jo flicks his right ear in annoyance. Being this casual is making things very awkward, but since his parents have not said anything otherwise; Jo bit his lips, wondering what his parents are up to. Are things really that serious?

"Good ol' mashed potatoes and a hearty steak," the black wolf announces with glee. He coughs and composes himself before offering to the family, "Help yourselves to it and eat up!"

Jo immediately got to eating just like the grey wolf he is. He is about to dig in like a Jo before he pauses and turns to me. "Uh, can I offer to cut your steak for you?" he asks bashfully. I widen my eyes in embarrassment, "I-I'm fine, thanks for the offer though."

I want a hole to hide right now. I don't know if Jo is doing all these on purpose or not, it's not helping my nerves at all! Stupid, stupid Jo!

I am on the verge of tears as I bit down into my steak. The taste is heavenly; the sear on the beef is perfect, keeping in all the juices while still making the cut of meat tender. But right now with my current mood it tastes no more than cardboard and sponge. The pressure in the household right now is just too intense. I just wish that this can be over already.

Everyone dines silently while I'm getting tortured every second. I didn't want to be rude to ask them to get to the point and end my torment already, so I opt for a safer option to start the ball rolling with small talks. "This tastes great! I've always loved your cooking... uh, Mr. Spencer," I say, trying to get some conversation going.

But apparently that is the breaking point for Jo. I hear a repressed growl from him before he says, "Why are we being so formal and awkward? Can't you see that Typh-"

Clang

"Enough. Don't look at your parents like that," his dad says after placing down his utensils hard. I cringe as shit literally just got real. "The formalities are there because Typh is here today not as a friend, am I right?" the black wolf says. I gulp and nod at him. The expression on his muzzle isn't being any friendly.

"And it's not like we enjoy doing this either," he continues with a growl, "This is serious business. We need to talk properly to the two of you. Formality is not something that is of matter right now."

I look at Jo, whose expression never changed. He looks as though he may just pounce any moment. I put my paw on his thigh in case he actually decides to, given how random and impulsive the grey wolf is sometimes.

"Anyway, about your relationship," the black wolf says, looking at his wife for confirmation, "We hope that you have given it a serious thought. To be honest, we don't-"

"We are serious about this," Jo interjects, "We're not pups anymore. I don't care if you don't approve or not, we will be together. We took great efforts to be together, I'm not going to just break up with him just because you guys don't approve."

"Son, manners!" his mom says angrily, "Calm down, the both of you. I'm sorry but Typh can't-"

"No!" Jo yells while I quickly grab his shoulders. I can feel that my wolf is trembling to fight. "Jo!" I warn him, "Please, let us hear what your parents have to say. Have you forgotten what you said earlier?"

Jo's ears flatten in shame as he starts to calm down again. "I... I just don't want to hear it from my parents..." he whines and looks at me with pleading eyes.

"As I was saying," his dad says in annoyance, "We don't think we would have expected you two to be together. Of course, it's not as though it's not possible... It's just a shock to us, you know?"

"I hope you were not too harsh towards Jo for telling us without informing you first," his mom says while looking at me, "He really didn't have a choice. We're still his parents after all." She laughs before putting on a stoic glare, "And as his mother, I will warn you, Typh, that if you hurt Jo, I will be upset... though I think it would be the other way round."

Jo looks at his parents with wide eyes. His dad nods as though reading his mind, "Yes son, we're fine with you two dating. I think we have seen how serious you are in this relationship, don't you agree?" he asks his wife.

"My pup has grown up," she says with a tinge of sadness, "Can you believe it? Jo really takes after his father. I thought he was really going to attack us! I know my pups; I can see his determination in your relationship, Typh."

His dad scoffs, "I'll like to see him try. This old fur is still strong enough to take fights."

I have no doubt in that sentence; Jo's dad keeps himself fit even though he has aged a few. He's taller than Jo and almost as big... talk about superior genes.

"Oh yeah?" Jo taunts with his shit eating grin.

Jo's mom groans and rolls her eyes, muttering 'boys' while the black wolf avoids the dining table and lunges for his son. I watch in horror as the two wolves wrestle on the floor, trying to gain dominance over the other.

"Don't worry," his mom assures me, "They do this all the time, don't mind them. At least Will is not around. Can you imagine all that mess if they knock onto our furniture? I think my husband has some feral blood somewhere... from a transplant or something. Or maybe I should have given birth to a daughter instead?"

I raise my eyebrow, thinking if his mom was kidding or not. "Well, anyway, do your parents know about you two?" she asks. I shake my head in response. "Only a few of our close friends... and you guys know about it... It's not that I don't love Jo or I'm not proud of him... I just don't think my family is ready to know," I say, hanging my head.

"There's no need to be ashamed, Typh," she reassures with a smile, "I understand what you mean. Your parents still follows the old tradition isn't it? Do you think we would help you tell them?"

I look up at her and raise my hands, "No, please... I think it would be rude that way. I will tell them, really."

"Relax, Typh. I'm not forcing you to tell them or anything. This relationship is between you two. Only you and my son can decide upon it. We will not interfere unless we really have to..." she says, "I've watched the both of you grow up... I think you two would make a good pairing, if you ask me. I just didn't think you two would be together, really."

I blush at the comment. This is the first time an elder agreed on our relationship, complimenting us as a couple. I feel warm happiness inside my heart, but shy at the same time. "T-Thank you," I say softly, "Uh... Are we really not going to stop them from tearing each other?"

"Hmm... Usually it's a very fast brawl where one of them just gives up. Looks like today might be different," she says before standing up in front them with arms akimbo. "Stop fighting now, you two. We're in the middle of dinner!"

I didn't see what her expression is, but from the way they moved, I'm pretty sure I don't want to know. They take back their seats while panting, catching their breath. "Look what you boys have done," she says, "The food is a little cold already."

The two wolves apologise in unison.

We return to eating and this time I am able to savour the taste of his dad's cooking, having the ice broken. The tension in the heavy atmosphere earlier is now broken just like that. We had small talk over the dinner, nothing much really, just about how we got together, the progress of our studies and things like that.

Until after dinner, I thanked them for their hospitality, and his mom claps her hands as though remembering something. "Oh, by the way," she says with a glint in her eye, "Are you two having sex behind our backs?"

I blush for the countless time and looks away while Jo gives a shocked 'MOM!'

His mom folds her arms, while his dad's ears perk up in glee, "Well? No avoiding the question. It's for your health, you know."

"P-Please, Mrs. Spencer" I stutter, "W-we... we haven't done it. We simply didn't have time due to our studies. B-but we have never slept with others before... So we're both... clean?"

His parents give a disappointed 'Oh" which I can't figure out why. His dad leans forward towards me, "I may not know everything about two males bonding, but perhaps you need a tip or two?"

Jo covers his ears in his paws, "Oh no, dad, PLEASE!!"

I sit there, flabbergasted with my muzzle opening and closing without sound. I didn't know what to say. "I'm just kidding," his dad smiles, "I'm sure you guys can figure it out yourself. Internet is a wonderful thing, no? Come and think of it, I'm pretty curious."

I stop myself from asking what he was wondering just in case it spirals out of control again. "Okay, okay, we will stop teasing you two for now," his mom laughs, "I'll clean up and give you two some alone time and you would help me, won't you, hubby?"

Jo's dad gives a scandalised look before reluctantly following her. As they left, Jo turns to me and pulls me into a big hug. "We did it, honey," he whispers into my ear. I return the hug as much as I can and finally let myself relax after these few days of scare.

"Yeah," I admit, "I really wanted to dig a hole and hide earlier on... and why did you have to do all the embarrassing things? You even wanted to pounce forward!"

"Well... I thought you might like it? You know, me being gentlemanly and everything..." he says sheepishly.

"Not in front of your parents!" I say and punch him lightly on the chest, "What about you losing your temper?"

"I nearly lost you once; there was no way I want to hear that I'm going to lose you again," Jo says simply, before leaning in to a kiss. I close my eyes and accept the peck on my lips. I guess we're lucky that Jo's parents are supportive of us.

Click.

I jerk away from Jo's muzzle as I look up in horror. His parents are looking into their camera phone with a triumphant glee.

...

Perhaps a little too supportive?